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Tag: UK

February 13, 2017Sonnetsmith News!

Welcome to my new and improved website!

Designed by the lovely Nic Cresswell @_TwoFish my Sonnetsmith website is back and rebooted for the twenty first century! It now contains […]

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sonnetsmith14

From lifting weights to lifting spirits. 💪🎤⚽🌲👟
Crushed gym sessions, rocked the stage, scored goals, explored wild trails and mentored some amazing kids along the way.
Balancing hustle and heart all summer long.
Because growth isn’t just physical … it’s about lifting others up too.
This summer was one for the books. 📖🔥

@oasis at Wembley Awaits…& a cheeky getaway…all lie ahead as this summer is just beginning…. ☀️🫶
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#StrengthInEveryWay #MentorAndMuscle #StageAndSweat #SummerGrindAndGive #sonnetsmith #leadingfromtheheart

Wrote this in a quiet moment on my new guitar. .

Wrote this in a quiet moment on my new guitar.
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About grief, change, and learning to walk away with love still in your heart.
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Hope it finds whoever needs it.
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🎵✨ #OriginalMusic #Songwriter #LettingGo #sonnetsmith #bbcintroducing #singersongwritersofinstagram #singersongwriting #sonnet #lyrics #authentic💯 #singer #noeffects #folk #country #honest #realtalk #acoustics #acoustic #acousticguitars #acousticmusician #acousticsong

Today, a 13-year-old girl nervously handed me this

Today, a 13-year-old girl nervously handed me this handwritten rap she’d written to explain how she feels.

Not for marks. Not for praise. Just to be heard.

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest — raw, real, and heartbreaking. She writes about life in foster care… the pain behind her behaviour… the way seeing her own family is used as a reward, dangled like a carrot.

“They just see the behaviour, not the hurt that I pass…”

I thanked her. Deeply. Because this was more than a poem — it was a cry for understanding. And also a spark of hope.

🎶 Music is her outlet. Her therapy. Her voice.

When I got to my car after the session, I broke down. But it reminded me why I do what I do.

I’m not just representing myself or my brother. I speak for the kids who are screaming silently to be seen. Heard. Loved.

If my voice offends you — know you’re not arguing with me. You’re arguing with every unheard child in care who never got to share their truth.

This is why we fight and why we will never stop @smashlifeuk because these children need us all to open our hearts and our homes.

💔🔥 #CareExperienced #FosterCare #ChildVoice #PoetryIsPower #SmashLife #YouthEmpowerment #TraumaInformed #ListenToKids #LivedExperience #MusicIsHealing #leadingfromtheheart

Just me, a freshly adopted 12-string, and a little

Just me, a freshly adopted 12-string, and a little U2 moment 🎸✨
“All I Want Is You” — because sometimes you find a guitar that just gets you (and also makes your fingers question their life choices 😂).

BIG love to everyone who’s been supporting my music lately 💛 I’ve officially sourced a magical little venue for an intimate acoustic show coming in the next few months – all in support of the amazing Hope House Charity 💫 Stay tuned for dates, tickets, and other lovely surprises…
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I’ve also joined Tik Tok follow me at your own peril - @sonnetsmith14 same handle as this Instagram page ❤️🙌🏼🤘🏼🙏

#sonnetsmith #12stringvibes #U2cover #AllIWantIsYou #acousticvibes #HopeHouseCharity #musicianlife #indieartist #supportlivemusic #intimateshow #guitaristsofinstagram #songwritercommunity #musicwithmeaning #newmusiccoming #singersongwriterlove

Six years is a long time to be in the wilderness.

Six years is a long time to be in the wilderness.

There was a time I thought this friendship was done for good. In my younger years, I was never taught how to fix a broken or bruised bond — only how to survive. And for me, that meant running. Ignoring. Shutting doors and pretending I didn’t care. If someone hurt me or let me down, they were gone in my eyes. Dead to me.

But that’s not a good way to live.
That’s not how healing happens.
That’s not how love works.

Over time, and a hell of a lot of self-reflection, I’ve learned that we’re all just flawed humans doing our best — and we’re bound to get it wrong sometimes. What matters is whether we’re willing to talk, to listen, to face the awkward truths and grow from them.

Music brought us back together.
Brad and I sat down, had the hard conversations, and found a deeper understanding — the kind that comes only from honesty, vulnerability, and time.

Now, somehow, the friendship is even stronger than it ever was.

And man, rehearsals have been giving me life lately. There’s something magic in the room again. We’re planning some stripped-back, acoustic shows — and it feels right. Feels full-circle.

If you’re reading this and there’s someone you miss — even if it’s complicated — maybe this is your sign. Life is way too short to carry grudges when deep down, we still love the bastards.

Here’s to forgiveness, music, and second chances.
❤️‍🩹🎶

#Reunited #Friendship #Healing #AcousticSessions #HonestConversations #NoMoreRunning #MusicMends #ForgivenessIsFreedom #sonnetsmith #castnoshadow #oasis #postmalone #elvis

A few years back, I released a song called It’s

A few years back, I released a song called It’s So Easy as part of @smashlifeuk Funny thing is… lately, the lyrics have hit home more than ever. Life isn’t always “so easy” (massive plot twist, I know), but even in the tough times, I’ve learned this: the darkest nights still end with a sunrise.

I’ve faced some challenges recently (who hasn’t?), but I’m still standing—and even crazier—I’ve decided to do something that absolutely terrifies me… I’m going to announce an exclusive acoustic Sonnetsmith show in the next few months full of original songs and the Smash Life stories about them.

Yes, me. Acoustic. No backup dancers. Just nerves, strings, and probably a bit of sweating.

More details to come soon—but I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who’s supported my music, this journey, and life in general. You’re the real MVPs.

Stay tuned. The sun’s rising. And I better start praying and practicing 🤣🙌🏼

M ❤️

It’s so easy - full band version: https://youtu.be/lsjNaBCByUc?si=SEz4rpj2Tyjc20z1

#ItsSoEasy #SmashLife #AcousticAndAfraid #ButDoingItAnyway #TheSunAlwaysRises #sonnetsmith #originalmusic #smashlifeuk

Before music, before stages and studios, there was

Before music, before stages and studios, there was football. ⚽️
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As a kid navigating a painful, often chaotic childhood, football was more than a game—it was a lifeline. A healthy distraction. A sense of belonging. My first foster carer, Dave, loved @liverpoolfc , so I did too. We watched them on the BBC in the late ’80s, and in those moments, something lit up in me.
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Back then, it was jumpers for goalposts, battered tennis balls in alleyways, muddy fields under streetlights, and endless kickabouts until the sky went black. I played for school, college, Sunday league, and whatever pub team would take me. I was never the best—but I played with heart.
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Somewhere along the way, life got louder, and music found me. But lately, I’ve found my way back to football. I’m unfit, wildly out of shape, and technically dodgy—but I’m smiling again. Really smiling.
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I tell every young person I support with @smashlifeuk with: find your passion, find your purpose, and you’ll find your joy.

Football reminded me of mine.
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Thank you, football—for the joy, the escape, and the reminder of who I’ve always been.

A lovely friend once said to me; “What’s bad

A lovely friend once said to me;

“What’s bad for your heart is good for your art.”

A new original Sonnetsmith song written on the acoustic today called ‘ Back To Church’.

Enjoy my Stevie Wonder look and Bob Dylan kind of sound mashup .. Enjoy

Love

M ❤️

❤️‍🩹 The whole truth and nothing but the

❤️‍🩹 The whole truth and nothing but the truth ❤️‍🩹

Six months ago, my world cracked open. I lost my fiancée, my best friend, and our dogs — the life we built together. I was shattered by grief, guilt, and abandonment. Counseling helped me face deep wounds from my past, and while I’m not perfect, I’m healing.

The love of my family, friends, bandmates, and the young people I mentor kept me alive when I didn’t want to be.

I’m choosing life again: coming off medication, returning to nature, music, football and the gym. I’m letting go with love, not anger — because sometimes, when someone lets go, it’s their journey, not your failure.

Men don’t talk enough about heartbreak. About feeling broken. About surviving it. If you’re carrying silent grief, you are not alone.

This is my truth, my heart, and my healing. I hope it resonates with someone who needs it.

(Also, thanks Cher — you absolute MILF — for providing the perfect cheesy song that summed it all up.)

See you all down the road of life

Love

M ❤️

#sonnetsmith #believe #mentalhealth #grief #acousticguitar #cover #acousticmusic #love

If you aren’t putting out good Karma into the wo

If you aren’t putting out good Karma into the world…… the Karma Police will soon catch up to you ! 🚔👮
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@smashlifeuk have just finished our Post 16 project for young adult care leavers @dudley_college who will have to learn to navigate the world without what many of us take for granted … a family support unit. Legends all of them - we can’t wait to return next year with a new group of legends ! Thank you @smithyandy13 for all your hard work and also the lovely amazing staff @jane.evans1977 & @theactivemamaclub . Special shout out to the lovely @rhiannelilley you smashed the session you delivered for us !
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We can’t wait to deliver more training and keynotes to some mega events and conferences in 2025 around the UK 🇬🇧
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The Smash Life Line Grant Funding has awarded one young person a bike and another young person £500 to help towards their education - well done on your successful applications and good luck 🍀
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My band @sonicboomband celebrate ten years together this year - we had our doubters at the start (you know who you were) but around 600 band shows and many awards and experiences around the UK and beyond later we are still here and have announced a celebratory show @malthouseironbridge in August - so come along ! Big love to my band mates @simonleesguitarist | @bartldrum and our new DJ addition @kevinhorakofficial looking forward to our adventures this year and beyond!
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A lovely catch up with a special friend @vicky_sellen also recently. It doesn’t matter how long you know someone if they are on your vibe then they become part of your tribe !
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Oh and did I tell you I have recently become @liamgallagher s long lost love child … I have laid the Mohawk to rest … for now ! Can’t wait to see @oasis in July @wembleystadium
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#sonnetsmith #smashlifeuk #leadingfromtheheart #sonicboomband #partylikearockstar⭐️ #youngpeople #inspire #goodkarma #cep #careleavers #learning #makeapositivedifference #lovewhatido❤️
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🙌🏼 What a start to 2025 🙌🏼 . Excited t

🙌🏼 What a start to 2025 🙌🏼
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Excited to see what lies ahead for @smashlifeuk / @sonicboomband as we spring into summertime!
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Special thanks to : @smithyandy13 | @janejohnson1970 | @kevinhorakofficial | @ashleyjbaptiste | @bartldrum | @simonleesguitarist | All The Smash Life Staff Team | @vicky.harris1967 | @mikesquash1 and all my incredible friends ❤️🤘🏼
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#smashlifeuk #sonicboomband #sonnetsmith
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Happy 2025 Everyone Here’s to reconnecting, gr

Happy 2025 Everyone

Here’s to reconnecting, growing, and making space for what truly matters. Life feels a little brighter when we realign with loved ones, leave negativity behind and take steps toward the positive changes we’ve been longing for deep inside.

Thanks to those special people in my life and those who have popped up recently to remind me that we all need to be grateful for what we have even when we think all is lost and to reconnect with that internal energy and lust for life we all had as kids!

Some very exciting plans brewing for the year ahead personally and professionally with @smashlifeuk and @sonicboomband and maybe more projects around the corner…

Grateful for this journey and excited for what’s ahead! 🌟✨ #NewBeginnings #Reconnection #PositiveVibes

Life has been a whirlwind the last few months! 🎙️ Recorded a new @smashlifeuk podcast episode with my bro @smithyandy13 featuring my good pal & first guest @kevinhorakofficial who has released his second book in the @mildred_the_crazy_cat_lady series , played an incredible band show in Spain with @sonicboomband , explored beautiful log cabins, and took the leap of joining a gym for the first time ever.

It’s been challenging, but those challenges have brought growth and perspective.

‘It’s in the moments of struggle that we discover our inner strength and rise to meet our potential.’ 💪

Here’s to embracing the journey and all the growth it brings! 🌟”

Thanks to all those who have helped be part of the recent journey and those close friends (old & new) who have shown me that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give, yet it’s often undervalued. It costs nothing, but its impact can be priceless—lifting hearts, healing wounds, and reminding us of our shared humanity.
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Muchas Gracias ❤️
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@harryfisherfilms @smithyandy13 @bartldrum @simonleesguitarist @my_paintedlife @bobbygguitar @charlieq4 @nicola_feeney @ladyl_123 @clairelcoulbeck

Wrote a very short song this week called ‘Always

“All I Want” 🍂✨ I wrote this during a pe

“All I Want” 🍂✨

I wrote this during a peaceful break in a rustic retreat up in North Yorkshire, soaking in those cozy autumn vibes with my new Epiphone acoustic. It’s a 100% live demo—no effects, just one take.
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Songwriting is such a cathartic outlet for me. It’s like a reset button, a way to release everything swirling around upstairs and turn it into something real. There’s something raw and healing about just letting it flow.

Hope this resonates with you the way it does for me 🎶🧡
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#AllIWant #NewMusic #Songwriting #sonnetsmith #acousticguitar #livemusic #epiphoneguitars #live #autumnvibes🍁 #autumn #acousticsongs

It’s funny how life comes full circle ⭕️. .

It’s funny how life comes full circle ⭕️.
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I’ve just hit the same age as an old musician mate of mine, someone I once looked up to. He suddenly quit all his musical projects back then, and as an 18-year-old, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I remember feeling confused, maybe even a little betrayed—how could someone just walk away from something we were so passionate about? We used to talk for hours in pubs over drinks about songs, albums,artists, gigs, concert memories … I never thought he would lose the fire 🔥 and walk away from it all but he did.

But now, standing where he once stood, I get it. There comes a time when just *doing* isn’t enough. We all crave growth, fresh challenges, and new experiences. Staying in the same lane can start to feel like stagnation, especially when you’re surrounded by people content with the bare minimum. I’ve been there—playing in bands where the fire wasn’t there for everyone, where motivation was an afterthought, and creative energy felt like a rare resource. And while there’s a certain camaraderie in sticking together, there’s also a slow death that comes from being surrounded by people who aren’t pushing themselves—or you—to be better.

At a certain point, you realize you need more. New goals, new skills, and new environments that ignite a spark again. It’s not just about playing the same old songs; it’s about having something to aim for, something that gets you out of bed excited to create. And more than that, it’s about surrounding yourself with people who share that hunger—people who inspire you, who bring fresh ideas, who challenge you to push the boundaries of what you think is possible.

It makes me wonder: do we change as individuals, evolving in ways that demand new experiences, or does the world change around us, leaving us craving something different? Maybe it’s both—our growth intersecting with the shifting landscapes of our lives.
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📸 @freespiritphotography.co.uk

@sergiotacchini tops if worn correctly can make on

@sergiotacchini tops if worn correctly can make one mix with all sorts of classes of people ..
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Introducing Sergio Twatini … your new favourite Instagram sitcom…
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I hope this cheers you up @lukerichardtill … a top guy 🙌🏼🙏
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#sergiotachini #sitcom #fashion #class #posh #oasis #bazzuka #tarquin #margeri #plonker #tennis #smile

🎈Letting Go: A Lesson From Childhood 🎈 As a

🎈Letting Go: A Lesson From Childhood 🎈

As a child in care, I learned early on that people come and go. It’s a lesson that carves itself deep into your heart, leaving you to grapple with the idea of impermanence. Caregivers, friends, even the walls around me—they were all temporary. The only constant was change, and with it, a loneliness that sat heavy in my chest.

I remember the feeling of attachment, how desperately I clung to the hope that maybe this time, someone would stay. But the revolving door of people in my life taught me that attachments are fleeting. They leave, and when they do, they take a piece of you with them, leaving behind echoes of love that was never fully mine to keep.

Now, as an adult, I’ve come to realize that letting go is a skill I was forced to master far too early. It’s the art of releasing love, not because it wasn’t real, but because it’s the only way to protect the fragile parts of myself. It’s about understanding that no one can fill the void inside us. Only we can do that.

Banksy’s “Girl with a Balloon” captures this beautifully. The image of a young girl letting go of a heart-shaped balloon resonates with the child in me—the child who had to learn that love, like that balloon, can slip from your grasp if you hold on too tight. It symbolizes the hardest lesson of all: learning to let go of the love you long for and instead turning that love inward, towards yourself.

For those of us who grew up in care, loving ourselves is the toughest lesson. We were taught to seek love in others, to cling to those who showed us kindness, even if only for a moment. But now, standing at the crossroads of my past and future, I understand that I need to love myself in the way I hoped others would.

Letting go is not about giving up on love; it’s about recognizing that the love we seek has to come from within. Only then can we truly be free.

Smash Life

Info@smashlifeuk.com

www.smashlifeuk.com
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#smashlifeuk #leadingfromtheheart #selflove #attachments #attachmenttheory #love #lettinggo #change #people #lifelessons #cep #livedexperience #careleaver #thoughtoftheday #loveyou #journeyoflife #banksy #youareenough #toughlessons #lifelessons

Loving what you do and seeing your projects thrive

Loving what you do and seeing your projects thrive is a rewarding experience, but with that success comes a relentless pace that can leave you feeling completely burnt out. As a man, it’s hard to admit when you’re tired, let alone ask for a break. You’re used to putting on a brave face, pushing through the exhaustion, because you don’t want to let anyone down. But in the process, you’re starting to realize that you can’t control how others behave or react, and that’s a tough truth to swallow.

Recently, I’ve found myself reflecting on life more deeply. I’ve seen people I know pass away, and it’s brought me to a crossroads. Life is short—too short to spend it only chasing success while missing out on the experiences that make it truly rich and fulfilling. I want to be successful, but I also want to live fully, to experience everything life has to offer.

In the midst of all this, I’ve started to notice how few people really take the time to check in, even as you’re busy supporting everyone else. It’s made me question the balance in my life and the importance of finding true happiness, not just in my work, but in every aspect of this short life.

Maybe it’s time to seek that balance—to allow myself to rest, to live, and to enjoy the moments that matter most. Success is important, but so is mine & your well-being and happiness. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and we all deserve the same care and attention we give to others. As we navigate this journey of life , your hope is to find a way to be both successful and truly happy, embracing all that life has to offer while taking care of ourselves along the way.
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Finding balance is hard when you are driven and when no one has ever just handed it to you on a plate… time to work smarter not harder is really resonating … loving yourself also means taking care of yourself, setting healthier boundaries and undertaking new self care practices … does this resonate with you ? ❤️🙏

This @_goldielookinchain_ chain_ song warranted a

This @_goldielookinchain_ chain_ song warranted a reel .. let’s bring some fun back to social media during some weird times in the world 🌎 … some summer highlights so far! 🍷

#goldielookinchain #fun #pinkwine #summertime #reelorreal #loveoneanother❤️ #enjoy #sonicboomband #partylikearockstar #timegoessofast

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